Salvation Army, The Republican, launch Toy For Joy drive early in light of tight economic times

SPRINGFIELD – In its 87-year history, it’s likely the need has never been greater for the Toy for Joy campaign.

In the face of the poor economy and rising unemployment, the campaign, jointly sponsored by the Salvation Army and The Republican, will be launched one week early, in hopes of helping as many families as possible and building community support for the effort.

Last year, in the Greater Springfield area alone, more than 16,000 children from over 5,000 families benefited from the program that provides holiday gifts for needy children.

“That was our biggest season,” said Maj. Thomas D. Perks, co-commander of the Salvation Army’s Greater Springfield Citadel. “With the economy the way it is, we thought it might be a good idea to give folks just a little bit longer to consider the opportunity (this year).”

The economy has Perks concerned about being able help to all the Western Massachusetts families seeking to make a brighter Christmas morning for their children.

“We are holding our breath this year because so many are being laid off and are underemployed,” Perks said.

A recent indicator of the need out there came earlier this month when the citadel’s Coats for Kids campaign saw its busiest year ever, Perks said.

The economy, of course, was tanking fast this time last year and the Toy for Joy campaign didn’t reach its $150,000 goal until shortly before the noon Christmas Eve deadline.

This year’s goal is to again raise $150,000 by noon on Christmas Eve to cover the costs of toys, games, books and other gifts distributed by the Salvation Army. The Republican will each day publish a list of the latest contributions in print and online at MassLive.com.

Along with the Greater Springfield Citadel, Salvation Army units in Holyoke, Westfield and Greenfield are participating in the holiday campaign.

While the Salvation Army’s Northampton unit opted not to participate this year, Perks said Hampshire County families seeking to participate in the program can register through the Greater Springfield Citadel.

Registration for most Salvation Army units will formally begin on Nov. 30 and run through Dec. 4.

The Westfield Service Center, however, has already begun. Some 350 families in the Greater Westfield area have registered thus far, according to Gail P. LaGasse, director of the Westfield Service Center. “That’s high,” she said.

Along with Toy for Joy, the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Campaign also helps to provide toys to families assisted by the Salvation Army units.

Even with the economic challenges, Perks said he has faith that readers of The Republican will once again pull through.

“There are two things that I count on,” Perks said. “The first is the concern and goodness of the community, and the second is the love of God and his provision.”

“The Republican is thankful for the continued support of its readers during these challenging financial times for all of us. They have, for the better part of a century, always come through in helping with Toy for Joy,” said managing editor Cynthia G. Simison. “Whether school children or employee groups, area businesses or individuals simply looking for a means to make the holidays bright for someone less fortunate, our readers know the true meaning of giving every holiday season, “ she said.

Perks said volunteers are also needed, both with the registration process and with toy distribution which will take place during the week of Dec. 14.

“We were really hurting for volunteers last year, and we are trying for more volunteers this year,” Perks said.

For information about Toy for Joy, call the Salvation Army in Springfield at (413) 733-1518.

To make a contribution, write to Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield, MA 01102.

Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon accompanying this story at The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Contributions will be taken in person at the newspaper until noon on Dec. 24.

Toy registration

Here are the times for families to register at Salvation Army sites for the 87th annual Toy for Joy campaign: